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Jet2 has delivered a fresh update to travellers heading to a sought-after European destination who require baggage check-in at its counters. The carrier addressed holidaymakers via social media following accounts of lengthy passport control delays at a prominent European Union (EU) airport.

The EU's new Entry/Exit System launched on April 10, 2026. This framework, referred to as the EES, replaces the previous passport-stamping procedure with electronic records documenting each time a visitor arrives and departs at Schengen borders, reports the Mirror.

It applies to all non-EU nationals, including British passport holders, visiting any of the 29 nations within this scheme for brief stays of up to 90 days during a 180-day window. Upon crossing the frontier, individuals must provide biometric data, including facial scans and fingerprints, along with their passport details.

This information is retained for three years and verified upon departure. According to the European Commission, registering a traveller requires approximately 70 seconds when the framework functions at maximum effectiveness.

Since its introduction, the EES has attracted criticism, with aviation companies and airport organisations noting that registration can require considerably longer, leading to substantial delays and queue times stretching several hours at passport control. Reports of long wait times at EU border checkpoints have sparked anxiety among certain passengers.

One traveller took to X to ask Jet2's customer service team whether the check-in desks at Faro Airport in Portugal would be opening earlier. Under the username @Almo0411, they wrote: "@Jet2tweets given long security passport queues to get out of Faro. Are you opening your bag drop earlier like a few others have done?"

Jet2 responded: "Hi Alex, we appreciate your concerns. The EES registration should only take around 1-2 minutes per person, but may see longer wait times at Border Control. We're keeping a close eye on things and doing everything we can to minimise the impact to your journey. (1/2)."

Providing a further update on the situation, they went on to say: "At the moment, our check in desks won't open any earlier but should this change, our team will contact you directly. If you have any further questions, feel free to send us a DM. ^Ellie (2/2)."

A statement on Faro Airport's website, as of April 23, reads: "Due to possible constraints on departures border control, longer waiting times are to be expected. Passengers to international (Non Schengen) flights please arrive early at the Airport."

In a recent post on its Facebook page, the airport additionally warned: "Due to possible border control constraints, we recommend that passengers on international flights (extra EU) arrive at the airport in greater advance. Plan your trip well and avoid unforeseen things."

Faro Airport says the recommended check-in time varies depending on the flight. It says: "In order to avoid delays and make the most of your pre-boarding time, please respect your airline's minimum check-in time. Like that, you also avoid the risk of arriving after check-in closes. Non-Schengen flights (Europe): 120 minutes."